- We're one of the families who celebrate the holidays with an Elf on the Shelf.
- I do a low-effort elf, placing it out of reach of the kids but not in elaborate scenes.
My family is pro-elf. We have one of the famous — albeit controversial — elves living in our home. Word on the street is he once perched on a shelf. It's fun. The kids love it and are excited to see him each morning.
Our elf, dubbed "Chippy," roams the upper levels of our home. He sits on the mantle and the Christmas tree. He has dangerously hung from cabinets. He's even ventured into the bathroom a time or two — anywhere where young hands won't be tempted to reach, lest he lose his magic.
Our kids love the elf
We got lucky with a low-effort elf. He doesn't create elaborate scenes or require expensive art supplies. He doesn't own any props I've seen, nor does he invite other household toys to get into messy mischief. He just hops from room to room where the kids can excitedly point him out each morning. He matches our level of commitment to the bit, and I'm here for it. Our kids, meanwhile, don't know the difference.
"CHIPPY!" they gleefully yell after finding his new hang. In the weeks before December, they begin singing songs about him, waiting for him to appear. They remix songs with Chippy-themed tunes: "Chippy, oh Chippy, you're so much fun," "Chippy, the little elf-y, has a very pointy hat!" The lyrics go on and on, as does the joy in their tiny hearts.
That's the fun of it: It's all for them. That it's a daily reminder to behave is a bonus. And just the thought of him and his direct line to Santa works — they'll stop mid-fit, asking if Chippy heard their ugly comment.
We wanted new holiday traditions
So we welcome Chippy into our home each December. My spouse and I made the decision after a cross-country move. Starting fresh in our new home, we wanted to dive into new holiday traditions, and hosting an annual elf became one of them. It was a great way to heighten the holiday spirit with our home's youngest occupants. I have not once regretted it, even if I've had to hop out of bed a time or two to supervise Chippy's latest movement.
Like any holiday tradition, our Elf on the Shelf is what we make it. Sure, by the end of December we're searching for a location he hasn't yet perched on, but the kids' excitement every morning never fails.
We also don't care if others don't have an elf. Not everyone is cool with little spies tromping through their homes, and I can respect that. The holidays bring enough strife; this is one place we can agree to disagree.
As for my house, we'll host the elf.